Thomas Cowan Bell (May 14, 1832 – February 3, 1919) was an American college president, educator, newspaper publisher, and Civil War veteran. He is best known for being one of the founders of Sigma Chi fraternity.
Early life
thumb|Bell in his Civil War uniform
Thomas Cowan Bell was born May 14, 1832, in Bellbrook, Ohio. He grew up on a farm and his primary school education was in log schoolhouses. At the age of 23, he was considered to be an "elder statesman" of the fraternity. After he retired, Bell retired to Oakland, California. He was also involved with the Alpha Beta chapter at the University of California at Berkeley.
He died in his home in Oakland on February 3, 1919, the day after attending an initiation ceremony of the Alpha Beta chapter.
Honors
- In 1905, Sigma Chi presented Bell with a souvenir medal as an expression of its "love and gratitude" at the fraternity's semi-centennial celebration.
- Bell is the namesake of the Thomas Cowan Bell Scholastic Foundation, located in San Jose, California, which awards college scholarships to both members of the Sigma Chi fraternity and students of San Jose State University
- Bell is the namesake of the Thomas Cowan Bell Sigma Chi Scholarship for both members and non-members of Sigma Chi at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
- The Thomas Cowan Bell Teaching Award is presented annually by the Ohio State chapter of Sigma Chi.
- Sigma Chi chapters with the most active alumni donors are given the name of "Bell Chapters" in honor of Thomas Cowan Bell.